When you hear the word Payatas, what comes first to mind?
I bet you thought negatively.
Payatas is known as the largest dumpsite in Manila, where a significant amount of city waste is disposed of. Payatas finds its roots in the term “payat sa taas”, indicating that the land is not conducive to agricultural cultivation. Due to its barren nature, the land evolved into a garbage dumpsite where a large heap of waste accumulated over time. Scavenging became a way of life, leading many underprivileged families to build their homes around this area.
Because of this, Payatas faced various environmental and social challenges due to its role as a dumpsite. Many individuals are hesitant to establish residency in this area and the negative perceptions associated with it appears challenging to erase.
However, what may not be widely known is that Payatas has undergone significant changes and is no longer the place it once was. At present, the government executed appropriate measures for the proper handling of the Payatas dumpsite and was closed during 2017.
Indeed, God is not silent toward the welfare of His people in Payatas.
Throughout our Prayer & Fasting Week dedicated to Payatas, we received the word “Redefining.” God will transform and redefine the identity of Payatas beyond its worldly perception and status. As the Kingdom of God expands and progresses in Payatas, His glory will outshine and transcend every aspect of depravity and poverty connected to this place.
Through the Gospel, God will refine and redefine Payatas.
Payatas will transform into a place unlike any other. No longer will it be associated solely being a dumpsite, instead it will carry the connotation of a caring and loving community centered around Jesus. Rather than attracting piles of waste, Payatas will draw in individuals passionate about sharing the Gospel with the impoverished and the like.
The transformative power of Jesus will unveil the true goodness within Payatas.
25 ““Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.” Ezekiel 36:25-27 NLT
